Edition 4 of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s Lawtech Insight has a featured article from Journalist Jane Wakefield, who talks to law firms and tech experts about the impact AI is having on the sector as a whole and what, if any, role it will play in their business. This issue also covers the topics: AI…
International Bar Association releases report setting out governance best practice to help businesses protect themselves from cyber attacks
The IBA’s Presidential Task Force and the Legal Policy & Research Unit has released a report entitled: Global perspectives on protecting against cyber risks: best governance practices for senior executives and boards of directors. This report provides first of its kind global perspectives on best governance practices for directors and senior executives in protecting their…
Jane Malcolm named new Chair of Scottish Legal Complaints Commission
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission has announced the appointment of Jane Malcolm as its new chair. Malcolm has a strong track record of strategic leadership in professional regulation, working in the public interest. She has a particular interest in consumer-centred services and policy, with a sharp focus on improving the experience of those who use…
Law Society of Ontario notifies profession on amendments to the Mandatory Disclosure Rules
The Law Society of Ontario has notified members about amendments to the mandatory disclosure rules in the Income Tax Act (ITA) by the federal government in the Budget Implementation Act 2023. The changes expand the existing reportable transactions regime significantly, including broadening the definition of reportable “avoidance transactions” and reducing the number of hallmarks required…
The National Association for Law Placement’s (NALP) report on diversity discusses the progress made and the ongoing challenges for LGBTQ+ lawyers in US
The National Association for Law Placement’s (NALP) recent report on diversity in U.S. law firms shows that the overall percentage of LGBTQ+ lawyers increased to 4.17% in 2022, roughly half a percentage point higher than in 2021 and almost 4 times the amount of LGBTQ+ attorneys reported in 2002. Representation has increased at a more…
Victoria Legal Services Board releases its first annual Risk Outlook
The VLSB+C’s Risk Outlook 2023 highlights five risks for the Victorian profession that will be areas of regulatory focus for the coming year. The publication describes issues and conduct associated with each risk that have the potential to cause consumer harm and explains the planned response to them. These risks include: Cyber security Costs disclosure…
The Bar Standards Board of England and Wales issues consultation on amendments to widen powers to protect the public
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has issued a consultation document seeking views on proposed changes to widen its powers to protect the public. The proposed changes include giving Disciplinary Tribunals the power to impose interim restrictions on a barrister’s practising certificate and extending the BSB’s power to refer a person to an interim suspension panel….
Legal Services Board of England and Wales annual report finds progress in regulation driving better legal services
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has published its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023. The report focuses on ensuring legal services are accessible and better meet the needs of society. The report covers the second year of the LSB’s ‘Reshaping Legal Services’ strategy. The key projects and activities during the…
Legal Services Regulatory Authority of Ireland welcomes passage of the Courts and Civil Law Bill 2023
The Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) of Ireland has welcomed the passage of the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023, which contains a range of reforms including amendments to the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015. The amendments are related to the levy on legal practitioners and aim to simplify the funding model for…
Law Society of New Zealand warns lawyers about the use of ChatGPT
The Law Society of New Zealand has warned lawyers about the use of AI chatbot ChatGPT for obtaining basic legal guidance and information. While the chatbot has access to a lot of online legal material and can draft legal documents quickly, its responses have been labelled imperfect and problematic. The article also highlights the regulatory…